Kevin Pietersen Backs KL Rahul for India’s No. 4 Spot in T20 Cricket
In a thrilling turn of events for Indian cricket, KL Rahul, the dynamic batter and wicketkeeper, has received a ringing endorsement from former England star Kevin Pietersen. Pietersen, currently mentoring the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025 season, has backed Rahul to claim the pivotal No. 4 position in India’s T20I lineup, highlighting his remarkable evolution as a player.
Rahul’s journey over the past 18 months has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. A consistent performer in ODIs, he cemented his role as a middle-order mainstay during the 2023 ODI World Cup, amassing 452 runs in 11 matches at a staggering average of 75.33. His composure under pressure was evident again in the Champions Trophy, where he scored 136 runs, including match-defining knocks of 42 not out against Australia in the semifinal and 34 not out off 33 balls in the final against New Zealand, guiding India to consecutive ICC titles.
Beyond his batting prowess, Rahul has been a game-changer behind the stumps. His sharp wicketkeeping, guidance to bowlers, and spot-on inputs for DRS calls alongside captain Rohit Sharma have made him indispensable. The raw emotion on his face while lifting the Champions Trophy—his first ICC title—spoke volumes about his dedication and hunger for success.
Despite these heroics, Rahul faced a surprising snub for the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, a tournament India ultimately won. This exclusion only fueled his determination to reclaim his spot in the T20I setup, with his sights now set on the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February to March.
In the ongoing IPL 2025, Rahul has been in sensational form for Delhi Capitals, leading the run charts for his team with 364 runs in 8 matches. His repertoire of lofted drives, precise straight shots, and aggressive pulls has left spectators in awe, while his glovework remains as sharp as ever. It was after a recent clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Delhi that Pietersen made his bold statement.
“I back KL Rahul at No. 4 for India in T20 cricket,” Pietersen declared to reporters. “With Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top, and Suryakumar Yadav in the mix, KL is my first choice to bat at four and keep wickets. The way he’s playing now is exceptional.”
Pietersen elaborated on Rahul’s transformation, revealing insights from their deep conversations about batting. “Growing up, KL was taught the classic defensive style—high elbow, playing in the ‘V’. But in your 30s, adapting to the evolving demands of T20 cricket is tough. The way he has embraced change and reinvented himself is a testament to his character. His positivity in practice, training, and game discussions is remarkable,” Pietersen added.
In the match against RCB, Rahul top-scored for Delhi Capitals with a gritty 41 off 39 balls, helping his team post 162/8. However, RCB chased down the target of 163 in 18.3 overs, powered by half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya, who forged a match-winning 119-run partnership off 84 balls. This victory marked RCB’s seventh win in 10 games, while Delhi Capitals suffered only their third loss in nine matches, with both teams still in strong contention for the playoffs.
As KL Rahul continues to dominate in the IPL, the chatter around his T20I comeback grows louder. With Pietersen’s endorsement and his undeniable form, the question isn’t if, but when Rahul will reclaim his spot in India’s T20 setup. For now, fans can only hope to see this versatile star shine again on the international stage, potentially leading India to more glory in 2026.